The Big East May Be Our Home For A While

[GG]

They also don’t want a team in their conference that dominates like UCONN women. UCONN would have more visibility and be even more attractive to recruits that want more visibility in a stronger conference. They already think we get ALL the recruits. It’s funny how other conferences brag about their strength, but in all the maneuverings around college sports can’t figure out how to include a DYNASTY in their conference. SO…they scream football.

UConn’s dominance in women’s basketball is not going to be a reason we’re excluded from a conference. That’s just not how conference realignment works.

Football drives the bus. Full stop. Conference decisions are based on football performance (far more than basketball), overall athletic investment, attendance, TV viewership, media markets, the value a school adds, and, yes, politics and relationships.

Women’s basketball excellence is part of our brand, but it isn’t a negative. If private equity ever seriously enters the space, it could even come down to a major investor insisting UConn be included because of the total value we bring.

The path forward is pretty straightforward: football has to improve, and basketball has to at least maintain its national relevance. If Geno eventually retires, the program must make a top-tier hire to preserve that brand.

Basketball is who we are, but football is what gives us a real shot at conference inclusion.

 

[Rowdy831]

The lack of money at a lot of schools really put them at a disadvantage especially when UConn is in the league. I don't see a time in the near future where balance happens in the Big East and I could see UConn making another historical at a winning streak. Maybe not enough to beat their record but maybe enough to put them in second or third all time.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

UConn’s dominance in women’s basketball is not going to be a reason we’re excluded from a conference. That’s just not how conference realignment works.

Football drives the bus. Full stop. Conference decisions are based on football performance (far more than basketball), overall athletic investment, attendance, TV viewership, media markets, the value a school adds, and, yes, politics and relationships.

Women’s basketball excellence is part of our brand, but it isn’t a negative. If private equity ever seriously enters the space, it could even come down to a major investor insisting UConn be included because of the total value we bring.

The path forward is pretty straightforward: football has to improve, and basketball has to at least maintain its national relevance. If Geno eventually retires, the program must make a top-tier hire to preserve that brand.

Basketball is who we are, but football is what gives us a real shot at conference inclusion.

Glad someone cares about conferences. Because I don’t.

 

[GG]

Glad someone cares about conferences. Because I don’t.

Every UCONN fan should care. The big east is not sustainable long-term, unfortunately. I think you will see some more conference changes within the next five years. Hopefully we have a safe landing place in a decent conference.

 

[joea]

Football doesn't necessarily have to be good - the B1G did not add Rutgers and Maryland because they are good, the added them because of TV coverage.
If UConn can demonstrate to the ACC that it will deliver higher ratings (and more money) then there is a reason to add. If not, then not. In addition, the objection of certain current members of the ACC would have to be overcome. If the ACC loses members, then things change. Forget about the B1G or SEC that is not happening.
I do not like the idea of the Big 12, would rather muddle on as an independent, and stay in the BE for BBall, which seems to work just fine, thank you very much, and forget about leagues like the MAC.

 

[ucmiami2]

Every UCONN fan should care. The big east is not sustainable long-term, unfortunately. I think you will see some more conference changes within the next five years. Hopefully we have a safe landing place in a decent conference.

The Big East is sustainable because is is decent in MBB which isn't as expensive as MFB to run and no one but Uconn is trying to be a FB school.

But I agree, for Uconn we should all care - getting into a power conference is very important and FB improvement is the important driver of that.

WBB doesn't drive decisions, but ... on the black day when Geno retires, being in a power conference would be a huge advantage as we try to maintain our status as a premier WBB program.

 

[GG]

The Big East is sustainable because is is decent in MBB which isn't as expensive as MFB to run and no one but Uconn is trying to be a FB school.

But I agree, for Uconn we should all care - getting into a power conference is very important and FB improvement is the important driver of that.

WBB doesn't drive decisions, but ... on the black day when Geno retires, being in a power conference would be a huge advantage as we try to maintain our status as a premier WBB program.

My point regarding women’s basketball and realignment was in response to a poster saying conferences will not want us because we dominate. I was simply stating that will not be a factor in preventing us from joining a league.

I agree that if Geno ever retires, which I hope is never, a better league will help us when we search for a new coach.

The Big East is not sustainable long term because of the money gap. We cannot continue to make millions less than other schools. It will eventually show up in recruiting and resources. Look at the level of competition in the BE for both the men and the women. The teams in the Big East cannot afford to invest in their programs the way UCONN does and it shows. The Big East will struggle to get players in the world of NIL when the other conferences have deeper pockets. If the conference, especially on the men’s side, is not competitive the UCONN product will suffer.

I LOVE the Big East and wish it could last forever. If we cannot stay, I hope we end up in the ACC where there are some at least some former BE teams.

 

[Skeets]

Well then they violated the contract last year and will in 2026 per their schedule.

ND can (always have and always will) do whatever they want and get away with it. It's one of the many reasons I find the little leprechaun so endearing.

 

[SCHuskiedad]

Football doesn't necessarily have to be good - the B1G did not add Rutgers and Maryland because they are good, the added them because of TV coverage.
If UConn can demonstrate to the ACC that it will deliver higher ratings (and more money) then there is a reason to add. If not, then not. In addition, the objection of certain current members of the ACC would have to be overcome. If the ACC loses members, then things change. Forget about the B1G or SEC that is not happening.
I do not like the idea of the Big 12, would rather muddle on as an independent, and stay in the BE for BBall, which seems to work just fine, thank you very much, and forget about leagues like the MAC.

The ACC grabbed Boston College for the Northeast TV eyeballs and B1G Rutgers for the NYC. This made sense when everyone was stuck with the regional cable packages. Perhaps when cord cutters swamp the cable subscribers the math may change and UConn could be the single school to pull in both NYC and New England viewers, especially if those two schools keep up their tradition of mediocrity? Go football…

 

[Linart]

Re: Women's basketball coaches who don't want UConn in their league. If/when Geno retires, I'll bet every one of those coaches would apply for his job.

 

[packwrap]

Tired of the football excuse. ND football is independent and their women's basketball is in the ACC.

In 99% of case, football is what drives conference choice. ND is the major outlier, Gonzaga '26 another. All ND sports except football (hockey) are ACC.

When ND can no longer make more football money as independent, they will join a conference. Most likely ACC, but Big10 another option. Perhaps in 2032 when many current TV deals expire.

UConn would be thrilled to get a big conference invitation, and would add huge value in mbb, wbb and Olympic sports. Football has been what historically keeps us out.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

In 99% of case, football is what drives conference choice. ND is the major outlier, Gonzaga '26 another. All ND sports except football (hockey) are ACC.

When ND can no longer make more football money as independent, they will join a conference. Most likely ACC, but Big10 another option. Perhaps in 2032 when many current TV deals expire.

UConn would be thrilled to get a big conference invitation, and would add huge value in mbb, wbb and Olympic sports. Football has been what historically keeps us out.

Not debating any of these truths just not a fan of monopolies (conferences). It’s just a hand to the face to consumers (fans). Not opposed to making money, but I’m also weary of money spoiling the quality and integrity of the product. I rarely watch any professional sports to this day because all the activity around the game…has dwarfed the game itself. I miss the smell of real grass, its stain and lodging in the masks of helmets. I guess I’m just cranky and sentimental. lol

 

[JoePgh]

The Big East is not sustainable long term because of the money gap. We cannot continue to make millions less than other schools. It will eventually show up in recruiting and resources. Look at the level of competition in the BE for both the men and the women. The teams in the Big East cannot afford to invest in their programs the way UCONN does and it shows. The Big East will struggle to get players in the world of NIL when the other conferences have deeper pockets. If the conference, especially on the men’s side, is not competitive the UCONN product will suffer.

I LOVE the Big East and wish it could last forever. If we cannot stay, I hope we end up in the ACC where there are some at least some former BE teams.

I'm not so sure that the football revenue will give P4 schools such a big advantage over UConn, since I'm not sure that many of those football dollars will find their way to the schools' women's basketball programs. Economically it makes more sense for the football powers to reinvest their revenue in their football program since that is where the ROI is generated, and also because the competitive pressure of other schools doing that will make it necessary if they want to remain competitive in football.

There are plenty of P-4 schools (Alabama and Florida come to mind) that have huge and financially successful football programs, but are consistently mediocre in women's basketball. Those schools that are good at WBB often have individual large donors who are committed to women's sports and restrict their contributions to that purpose. Anecdotally, this may be the case at Texas and LSU, for example.

Doesn't UConn also have a stable of major donors with similar interests, such as the couple that financed the Werth practice facility?

Why can't UConn negotiate a deal where it plays only men's and women's basketball in a P-4 conference, and accepts a lower share of conference revenue because of that restriction?

 

[GG]

I'm not so sure that the football revenue will give P4 schools such a big advantage over UConn, since I'm not sure that many of those football dollars will find their way to the schools' women's basketball programs. Economically it makes more sense for the football powers to reinvest their revenue in their football program since that is where the ROI is generated, and also because the competitive pressure of other schools doing that will make it necessary if they want to remain competitive in football.

There are plenty of P-4 schools (Alabama and Florida come to mind) that have huge and financially successful football programs, but are consistently mediocre in women's basketball. Those schools that are good at WBB often have individual large donors who are committed to women's sports and restrict their contributions to that purpose. Anecdotally, this may be the case at Texas and LSU, for example.

Doesn't UConn also have a stable of major donors with similar interests, such as the couple that financed the Werth practice facility?

Why can't UConn negotiate a deal where it plays only men's and women's basketball in a P-4 conference, and accepts a lower share of conference revenue because of that restriction?

The pattern, unfortunately, is for P4 schools only play each other. The goal is to reduce out of conference games. Geno recently commented that coaches have less and less say in who they schedule. I hate what is going on, but recognize the SEC and BIG 10 have considered a break away. Some have even discussed only having the top conferences in the big dance (which would ruin March Madness IMHO). UCONN knows that is will have to move at some point. All UCONN can do is continue to support and build the football program and maintain the bball programs.

 

[Gael]

Why can't UConn negotiate a deal where it plays only men's and women's basketball in a P-4 conference, and accepts a lower share of conference revenue because of that restriction?

I don't know much about conference economics, but I assume a P4 conference would be willing to give UConn a cut of conference profits only if UConn would be likely to generate more profit for the conference than its cut. Is that likely?

Relatedly, P4 is not P4 is not P4 is not P4, at least re women's basketball.

The Big Ten, which is one of the top two competitive P4 conferences for WCBB, is not a realistic landing target because UConn, as a university, does not meet the Big Ten's academic research standards (AAU membership).

The Big 12 and ACC both seem to be getting weaker in WCBB, not really so powerful. Besides, the Big 12 is geographically and culturally remote from Connecticut, more so than the AAC was. The PAC is gone.

That leaves only the SEC as a highly competitive WCBB conference. Why would the SEC be interested in geographically remote, yankee-land, non-football UConn?

 

[Skeets]

In 99% of case, football is what drives conference choice. ND is the major outlier, Gonzaga '26 another. All ND sports except football (hockey) are ACC.

When ND can no longer make more football money as independent, they will join a conference. Most likely ACC, but Big10 another option. Perhaps in 2032 when many current TV deals expire.

UConn would be thrilled to get a big conference invitation, and would add huge value in mbb, wbb and Olympic sports. Football has been what historically keeps us out.

Well, that combined with the fact that Storrs isn't exactly a major media market. Football quality didn't hurt Rutgers in the greater NYC media market.

 

[visitingcock]

Well, that combined with the fact that Storrs isn't exactly a major media market. Football quality didn't hurt Rutgers in the greater NYC media market.

When was the last time a team from NYC, LA or Chicago won the NC in football


Look at the cities ( towns) where championship schools are located. TOWNS like Clempsun, Auburn, Eugene. Heck even small cities like Tuscaloosa, Shreveport, Columbus

Is UConn in the Hartford media market. About 32 ranked media market? About average for championships.

 

[hoopsfan22]

When was the last time a team from NYC, LA or Chicago won the NC in football


Look at the cities ( towns) where championship schools are located. TOWNS like Clempsun, Auburn, Eugene. Heck even small cities like Tuscaloosa, Shreveport, Columbus

Is UConn in the Hartford media market. About 32 ranked media market? About average for championships.

It is. Connecticut is split between the Hartford and NYC market, and has some overlap with the Boston market which is right next door. There are very few schools with a media market as lucrative as UConn's. Unfortunately media markets seemingly stopped being a primary consideration in conference realignment a decade ago.

 

[visitingcock]

It is. Connecticut is split between the Hartford and NYC market, and has some overlap with the Boston market which is right next door. There are very few schools with a media market as lucrative as UConn's. Unfortunately media markets seemingly stopped being a primary consideration in conference realignment a decade ago.

Stopped being THE primary consideration ? Perhaps, but name ones bigger.

Stopped being A primary consideration ? Nope. Though market share is more important than market location. But really, a number of mid /sized markets are looked at for the schools - not just the one the school is located in. Plus, market share of market may be split among two or more teams - especially where a state has two P-4 schools.

 

[Skeets]

It is. Connecticut is split between the Hartford and NYC market, and has some overlap with the Boston market which is right next door. There are very few schools with a media market as lucrative as UConn's. Unfortunately media markets seemingly stopped being a primary consideration in conference realignment a decade ago.

Yes, that explains all the professional teams that Connecticut has. Even the Sun is leaving. You know what happens when there is no Sun? It gets dark.

 

[ec33]

This popped up..View attachment 116806

Fifteen more years of Geno after the 2030-something inclusion of UConn in the Big 12? Yes, I am sure that is going to be a big worry at any conference expansion talks.

 

[meyers7]

UM…yea. They are both independents. No? Point is…this is an example of basketball and football not being in the same conference.

Just silly.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Just silly.

Just FACTS.

 

[packwrap]

When was the last time a team from NYC, LA or Chicago won the NC in football


Look at the cities ( towns) where championship schools are located. TOWNS like Clempsun, Auburn, Eugene. Heck even small cities like Tuscaloosa, Shreveport, Columbus

Is UConn in the Hartford media market. About 32 ranked media market? About average for championships.

UConn TV market is very interesting for leagues like Big12, and (don't laugh) the new PAC8? UConn is Hartford, but it also brings NYC and Boston eyes.

The idea now is for leagues to offer games in all time zones to allow their TV partners to fill in a full day of games with their single conference contract.

Of course this makes no sense for the athletes to have all the travel that goes with that. ie. Miami v Stanford, BC v Cal.

I had been pretty pessimistic about the SEC and Big10 blocking other schools completely out of college sports, but the Texas Tech billionaire booster has mobilised some serious support toward avoiding this.

UConn should finally find a home in next round of conference moves, probably to start play in 2032.

 

[meyers7]

Just FACTS.

Ha ha. Yeah the sun comes up every day. A fact. And it has about as much relevance as what you stated. Just realize it was a silly, ridiculous comment to make and move on.